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Top 13 Destinations in Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe in a nutshell: Gorgeous girls, cheap beer, and old world charm.

What more could you want? This might just be the greatest region on the planet.

I’ve traveled to every country in Eastern Europe. It took around a dozen trips and several years, but I finally conquered it last summer. I’m not claiming to be an expert. I’ve been to some cities three times, but others I’ve completely passed by. As such, this is not fully comprehensive list, as it only features place I’ve personally been to. (You’ll notice an absence of Black Sea locations, for example). That said, objectivity and input from other globetrotters was very important when compiling this list.

TOP 13 Spots in Eastern Europe!

😉

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13. Transylvania, Romania

Brasov

Why does it make the list?From charming Brasov, to clubbing in Cluj, to Vlad Tepes’ (Dracula’s) haunting hometown of Sighișoara, Transylvania has a lot going for it. Romanian girls are the top tier of Eastern Europe, rivaled only Ukraine and Serbia.

Highlight?

Sighișoara during a snowy winter is quintessential Transylvania. The place is deserted and spooky as they come. Bring a date.

Bottom Line

Stay in Bucharest for the girls, but if you want to get a feel for real Romania, check out Transylvania.

12. Riga, Latvia

Why it makes the list?Riga is a party town. Despite some negative reviews from bloggers like Roosh (who wrote a guide book on how to get laid there), I maintain my love Riga. I’ve been there three times and I get giddy when I’m in town. While ethnic Latvian girls are no prize, the city is 50% Russian. As such, there are plenty of Grade-A gals about. Plus, it’s walkable and has an old town. The only reason it’s not higher in the ranking is because of the huge influx of tourists and British stage parties. Bring your A game.

Highlight?

I recommend Friendly Franks hostel and their pub crawl, Lido restaurant, and any rock bar in old town. Halloween is insane in Riga.

Bottom Line

If you’re just looking for a weekend away with the lads, you’ll have a blast.

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11. Prague, Czech Republic

Why it makes the list?“Overrated” is the word I most often hear when people refer to Prague, but there is no denying it’s till one the Europe’s great cities. I’ve been twice and the liked even more the second time. You can walk twenty minutes from the center and still be in awe at the architecture and character of the city. That said, the city is plagued with tourists and the nightlife is limited. Czech chicks are hit or miss, but there are plenty of tourists about looking for fun.

Highlight?

Take a walk and admire its old world charm.

Bottom Line

Avoid high season.

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10. Budapest, Hungary

Why it makes the list?Budapest is a gem. The setting is gorgeous, the nightlife is edgy and in the summer it’s party central. The only thing that let’s it down are the women. While are Hungarian women are hotter than their Western European counterparts, they simply can’t compete with other Eastern European girls. Coming for the like of Poland, Serbia or Romania, you’ll notice a HUGE drop-off in quality. The city is also quite spread out too.

Highlight?

A booze cruise down the Danube is a must. You’ll never get drunk in a more beautiful setting. Also check out the baths.

Bottom Line

One of the world’s greatest cities. A MUST if visiting Eastern Europe.

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9. Tallinn, Estonia

Why it makes the list?Tallinn has a romantic old town with a medieval square. It’s a small walkable city with lots of pedestrian streets.The girls are hot (not as good at Latvia or elsewhere in EE, but better than central or Western Europe). The place looks its best in the summer, where beers garden’s abound. Options are limited mid-week, but you can always find a party. Check out Bang Estonia for more details.

Highlight?

Check out the old days festival in Summer. It’s makes you feels like you’ve traveled back medieval time.

Bottom Line

More and more people are discovering Tallinn, get there before it’s overwhelmed by tourists.

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8. Krakow, Poland

Why it makes the list?Krakow is home to Europe’s biggest medieval square. I’ve been to Krakow three times and like it a lot. The city is walkable, has a great pub culture, and the local girls are gorgeous. It’s a little touristy, but it’s still a top spot and you can find a party most night, too. For more information, pick up a copy of Bang Poland.

Highlight?

The summer feels likes a constant festival.

Bottom Line

Krakow is the quintessential Eastern European city.

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7. Macedonia

Why it makes the list?Macedonia is still off the beaten track for Eastern Europe. Skopje and Lake Ohrid are both great destinations. Skopje can’t match the beauty of Tallinn or Krakow, but it has a grimy quality to it that I like. It also has a small Muslin influence which makes it a little bit more distinctive from other Balkan capitals. In my opinion, the city is nicer than Tirana, Prinstina, Bucharest and Sofia.

Highlight?

Smoking sheesha and getting high in New Age bar is super chilled. Lake Ohrid in summer is a cool party spot, too.

Bottom Line

I liked it so much I’ve been here three times, but it feels a bit small after a few days. Best for a short stay.

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6. Kiev, Ukraine

Why it makes the list?It’s ain’t pretty, but Kiev kicks every other city’s ass for one thing: The women. In my humble opinion, Kiev has some of the best looking women on the planet. Only Belgrade comes close. The secret is out however, so it’s only a matter of time before Kiev become like Riga or Prague. Learn Russian to keep ahead of the competition. Aside from that, there isn’t much to rave about. For more info, Check out Bang Ukraine.

Highlight?

The women.

Bottom Line

Learn Russian before you go.

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5. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Why it makes the list?I was originally going to put only “Sarajevo” up, but I have to recommend Mostar also. Bosnia is like nowhere in Eastern Europe. The Muslim influence gives it a completely different feel. You might think you’re in somewhere like Turkey or Azerbaijan, except the nightlife is 10x better! The girls are average for Eastern Europe. For more info, check out my Sarajevo Guide.

Highlight?

The weekend in Sarajevo is rockin’. If you’re there in summer, make sure you check out Aladdin’s cave bar in Mostar, too.

Bottom Line

In a league of its own.

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4. Hvar Island, Croatia (In summer)

Why it makes the list?People from all over Europe come here during the summer to do one thing: Party. Nightlife is guaranteed The town itself is purty too and . The ratios aren’t great, but if you have decent game you can pick up here with ease. For more info check out my Hvar Island Guide.

Highlight?

Partying till the sun comes up.

Bottom Line

Book well ahead to make sure your logistics are solid.

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3. Belgrade, Serbia

Party on Splav

Why it makes the list?Belgrade ties Kiev for women, but it’s a nicer city and the people are friendlier. Serbian girls are astoundingly hot and seem to be everywhere. The nightlife is a bit pretentious, but if find the right spots you can have a blast. In summer, all the clubs are on boats called Splavs. For more info, check out my Belgrade City Guide.

Highlight?

The women.

Bottom Line

Nightlife is over-rated, but the girls are certainly not.

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2. Kotor & Budva, Montenegro (In Summer)

Why it makes the list?Sexy girls from all over Eastern Europe and Russia come to party here for sun and fun. Not only is this place rockin’, but the old town is utterly adorable. It’s easy to fall in love with its narrow cobblestone streets and quaint town squares. Between Budva and Kotor, I rate Montenegro among the most charming places in all the world. For more info, check out my Budva City Guide.

Highlight?

Partying in Budva and taking in the charm of Kotor.

Bottom Line

Go in summer. Otherwise, it’s dead.

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1. Slovenia

Why it makes the list?Between the Julian Alps and Lake Bled, and absorbing Ljubljana, Slovenia is neck in neck with Montenegro for aesthetics. But when you factor in the friendliness of the locals and the edginess of Metelkova in the capital, Slovenia just takes the lead. The girls may not be as hot as in Serbia or Montenegro, but Slovenes still beat all the other girls in the former Yugoslavia. Plus, they are far more approachable and easy going. For these reasons, I must give the no.1 to Slovenia. For more info, check out my Ljubljana City Guide.

Highlight?

The landscapes and partying in Metelkova.

Bottom Line

All the best ingredients of Eastern Europe mixed together.

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Honourable Mentions

I decided to only include places I’ve actually been in the top 13. I contacted some fellow globe-trotters to give their top 10 on the route as well. Here are some other picks from fellow travelers…

61 Responses to Top 13 Destinations in Eastern Europe

Im tryna hit up all theses places. Went to Budapest last summer for a week. How’d you get the money to see all these places. I’m black, maybe i could start a black guy in eastern europe blog and get paid to go. I know some of these places are rumored to have neo-nazis. I’m too in love with this region to care. I’m curious why St. Petersburg didnt make the cut.

The neo nazis are broke frustrated white trash dude your more likely to get killed by hood rats or your own government that those clown rednecks. If ours a black dude you’ll kill it in Atlanta- all the hillbilly southern pussy
Moving to the big A looking for Mandingo to bomb their hill billy holes- you’ll fine but for me American lizards nauseate me- sociopath scum expecting to get treated like Saturday Barbie cartoon club. It’s all bs out here player partner- keep your pimp hand strong.

I highly rated Pristina, Kosovo. Went there after Belgrade and found the women more attractive (seriously around Kosovo university I needed two heads to look at all the girls). Also so cheap and undiscovered yet, and very friendly locals. Apparently the girls there are also “bad Muslims” in that they go out and drink and party. Was only there on a Monday and Tuesday night so can’t recommend any specific places. Also Varna in Bulgaria is amazing, especially combined with the parties at the nearby resort town that are packed with German, swedish and other Scandinavian school leavers.

Great list! Will be heading through Eastern Europe at the end of this year so will keep this in mind. What’s the minimum time you’d recommend staying in each of these places to properly check them out? Assuming you wanted to travel through 5 or 6..

Of where you list, I’ve been to and got laid in Transylvania, Riga, Prague, Tallinn, Krakow, Mostar (well, got laid in Sarajevo after hitting Mostar), Hvar (well, I got laid in Zadar, close enough), and Belgrade.

My impression pretty much matches yours, with minor quibbles over the ranking.

I’ve lived in Serbia in period from 2002 to 2011. All that’s much perplexedly and different than what you can hear on tv or read. However, despite all events from 90s people there still live mixed in EX-YU countries, speak same language, in my opinion they don’t hate each others. People there are really friendly and atmosphere is great. I miss everything.

Nomad-
I can’t wait for you to see Southern California and compare that to Eastern Europe. Vegas is full of talent too. I like Seattle and San Francisco girls but they are more homely, and Portland has some fugly going on-check out Facebook profiles for all these cities and let me know on here what you think.

I have not been in all of the mentioned places, but explored several EE countries/places/cities.

So here are my TOP 3 for EE:

1. Moscow
Why? The ratio quality of the girls / easiness to pick-up is at nowhere else better. If a girls agrees to the date it is already done.

2. Budapest
Why? The girls in Budapest are still by the far the hottest I’ve seen in all my travelling. If you go to the right clubs in the summer you will have difficulties to remain calm even a second. – An overload of stimuli. Nevertheless, Buda girls remain difficult to approach. You need a perfect and solid game to get the 10s. Moreover, Hungarians are very pride.

3. Kiev
Why? Girls are good, although not the level of the beforementioned places. But: They are genuine and easy to talk and approach. No arrogance given, easy to get in touch.

I’m visting EE next september (only 1 month). For such a short stay, which cities should I visit on weekends y which ones on midweeks (acording to this ranking). Sadly, no every day is friday night =(.

Did you just say “ethnic Latvian girls are no prize”… Wowwwwww
I can’t BELIEVE I just read some shit saying an entire ethic group wasn’t hot.
What, in the entire, fuck. LMFAO you’re a piece of work man; SMH I hope you get the clap.

am planning a backpack trip in may/june for 3 – 4 weeks, was considering the following places croatia, montenegro, bosnia, slovenia, czech, slovakia and hungary.
am looking for lot of adventure and spice as well, adventure like hiking, forest trails, swimming in lakes and waterfalls, staying in caves, sailing and also at the same time looking for partying, clubbing, hot beaches along with a little bit of history
havent decided on the above places so am open to adding or deleting any of the above mentioned
also im traveling with my bf so was curious about how gay friendly these places are and do thy have an active gay culture and which one of these places have the cutest boys ?
have no ideas about how do i do the internal traveling bet these places so id appreciate suggestions for the same and i wat order of cities shud we go about it?
also if i can get suggestions as to how many nights shud i allocate for each of the above places?

this message for anyone, you are invited to trip by volkswagen transporter, 2014 model, Greece to all around Eastern europe, only our limit is gonna be our number of vacation days…my opportunity 25 days…Planning for June…share the fuel, enjoyyyyy the vacation…i am flexible for route…

Prague: I second everything you said about it, but the women are still more likable than British girls – they’re very natural and have a British sense of humour. I was with an Australian gf in Prague. Plenty of backpackers to go at. English level mediocre to high.

Krakow: I went in summer and was in a terrible mood due to personal stuff, so wasn’t in the frame of mind to go after girls. However, my general impression is that the girls are generally quite jaded because of all the stag parties, so your odds are lower. Warsaw would be much better in that respect. Polish girls are absolute sweethearts. Plenty of backpackers to go at. English level high.

Budapest: I second what you said about them being harder – definitely. The British Card doesn’t seem to make any difference here and I think there is a bit of tourist jadedness going on. Plenty of backpackers to go at and a couple of notorious party hostels. English level mediocre.

Belgrade: My absolute favourite. The people in general are great – they don’t treat you like a tourist, it’s strange, but in a really really good way. The girls are outstanding – not only are the physically great, but they’re absolute angels: very easy to talk to, very well educated and speak great English. British Card is strong here.

It’s so cool that you included Transylvania on this list. Sighisoara has its own charm, but Sibiu or Brasov are also ideal travel destinations if you want to explore more of this region. If you’re willing to see past the whole “Dracula” myth there are plenty of things to do and places to visit, not to mention that it’s also an affordable travel destination.

Hi, I’m planning a 2 week trip with a friend. Have seen Budapest, Prague and austria before. Would like to cover Slovenia – Croatia – Bosnia – Belgrade area. Any suggestions on how to go about it. We’re 2 guys in mid 20s, hoping for a good summer party trip but we have to keep it within 14 days.
Thanks

I don’t know what are you talkin’ about. You have seen the foreign girls in the center (Deák place and surroundings). The hungarian girls are very very beautiful. Did you visit Western City Center for example?

I’ve travelled a lot over eastern Europe. I started out in Wales. Not eastern Europe. As a teenager I moved back to Scotland where I was originally born.
My job and holidays took me all over the world. I was offered a job covering eastern Europe and thought why not. The girls are hot. The weather can’t be any worse than Scotland, see what happens.
At the time I was in a relationship that I wasn’t sure would work out. This would be the test and it was huge. Eastern Europe was a huge fantasy world for a UK guy, Bulgaria varna great beach life, cameras with hot girls very cheap, strip clubs where anything goes.
Romania in my opinion are the second hottest girls in Eec. They are a bit more savvy so prices are higher, my office and base was here so spent most of my time. I’m a bit of an ex rocker so this was my haven, Metallica blasted on the beach jack Daniels washed down with a hint of marajana in the air. Wonder place where you felt free and enjoyed the natural atmosphere.
Then I had a few meetings in kiev. No contest. Hottest girls, nice place to be and easy to pull.
I had a girlfriend in kiev, she was 26 blond and super hot, a manager for a big firm. I was 39 ugly UK bloke.
My heart though went to a Romanian girl. 5 years on we married. I left the UK for good settling in Romania. About a year into our relationship I found out she was bi. This expanded our sexual horizons and are avid road trip makers. We travel all over eastern Europe and all the countries are good fun. Just choose carefully. Don’t go for the holiday stag do destinations. Budapest is an exception, I love it there. We have a rule, not the capital, has to be good escort services and top hotels don’t break the bank. Never plan. Just have a time line for the trip, rough idea what you want to do and go with the flow.

Ok, thumb up for hot girls. But Kiev is in you opinion ain’t pretty?? The city is like 1500 years old – it is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It is the capital of ancient Kingdom Kievan Rus’ – ancient Russia. When Kiev was baptised all ancient cities of Russia were united together to form a first Russian state and Kiev ever since became the centre of Orthodox Christianity and the capital. The city has tons of ancient cathedrals with golden roofs and every cathedral inside is a masterpiece work of famous painters. Museums, theatres, ballet … Kiev Pechersk Lavra is a huge city fortress with cathedrals and deep underground tunnels with famous mummified saints. The founder of Moscow is berried there: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiev_Pechersk_Lavra

Hi Naughty Nomad , I wanna ask u about skin color and out look appearance that women love to have date with men ….in E.Europe ….what is your advice for men …what countries women like to be with Asian men ? or Black men …Brown men….I hope you got the point

I’ve been lucky enough to have lived in a few of these places mentioned. I’d say that’s the real way to get under the skin of a place and discover the hidden gems.

Serbia

For instance, I spent a couple of years in Serbia. I thought Belgrade was the best place ever, until I ventured off a little and found places like Kragujevac. Not a place you’d think of going, but great night life (smaller venues) and really friendly people.

Bosnia

Bosnia is on your list, however there is a lot more to it than Sarajevo (of course). For the adventurous, I’d suggest heading out to a smaller student towns, e.g. Pale in the Serb Republic of BiH. No tourists there, beautiful girls (a lot better than Sarajevo). Places like that are hidden gems.

Slovenia

Spent a year here working as an English teacher. Had a great time and had a lot of success with the locals, even if they are not in the league of Serbian girls. Head out to Kranj, or Maribor …

Czech Rep.

Also spent time teaching here and got to see places other than Prague (which is great, of course!). Again, there’s a lot of fun to be had in the places most people don’t think to go. For instance, Stodolni street in Ostrava is great.

Ukraine

I have to agree with you that Kiev is THE place for beautiful girls. I also think they are extremely approachable people, but it’s important to learn that their mentality is quite different from other places mentioned on this list. It’s also important to know where to go find genuine girls. The girls in places like Arena City are looking a free drinks, a sponsor, etc. However, venture outside the city, cross the river on to ‘Left Bank’ and it’s a completely different game. In the city, there are some interesting places, easy to meet girls (Sorry Babushka). Also, having spent the last two years travelling around Ukraine, I’d suggest going to smaller places, student towns. Check out places like Ivano-Frankivsk, Vinnitsya, etc. for a more authentic experience. I would also rate Odessa more highly than Kiev, but this is my experience.

Suggestion:

Croatia

As always, I tend to avoid to ‘popular’ places and seek out those ‘hidden gems’. Varazdin, for example, is one. I spent a year here and found plenty to keep me occupied. Spancirfest in the summer is also worth a visit (though more touristy then).

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